The best martial arts movies of the 1980s

Many fans of martial arts believe that the 1980s were the golden age of the genre. The films of this decade featured incredibly choreographed fights with Asian actors, paving the way for the next generation of martial artists. The success of actors such as Jackie Chan, Jet Li and Biao Yuen has helped create a space in Hollywood for Asians to play leading roles.

For those who want to see what this era of martial arts cinema was like, check out the films below. Some were forgotten decades after their release, but are more than worth revisiting today.

8 Yes, madam! (1985)

One of Michelle Yeoh's first major roles

• director: Corey Ewan
• Release date: November 30, 1985
• The original title of the film: Huang Jia Shi Jie
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video

Yes, madam! stars Michelle Yeoh (known for her brilliant performances in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and Everything and everywhere and at once) in one of his first roles in the 1980s. The film was very successful and became a breakthrough for Yeo, who won for Best New Artist, while the film was nominated in Hong Kong for Best Choreography in an Action Movie.

Fans praised the film's gritty scenes featuring its two female leads, bringing a fresh edge to 1980s martial arts films. The film tells the story of two inspectors who are looking for two thieves involved in a murder. The fight sequences in this film were done by Yeo and her co-star Cynthia Rothrock without much intervention or gimmicks, making it more fun to watch.

7 Shaolin Temple (1982)

Started Jet Li's career as a martial artist

• director: Hsin-Yen Chang
• Release date: January 21, 1982
• Original movie title: Shao Lin Xi
• Flow: —

Shaolin Temple was one of Jet Li's first films that helped launch his career as a martial artist. The plot revolves around a young child (played by Jet Li) who embarks on a journey to avenge his father's death. He begins to study Shaolin Kong Fu from the monks at the Shaolin Temple. However, he must take an oath never to commit murder.

The film was directed by Hsin-Yen Chang, who has released two additional films, an action comedy Children from Shaolin and Fist of Shaolin. These Shaolin themed films brought Shaolin Kung Fu international recognition.

6 Food Wheels (1984)

A mix of comedy and action from the incomparable Jackie Chan

• director: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
• Release date: August 17, 1984
• The original title of the film: Fai Kaan Che
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video

Wheels on food is a film with choreographed fight sequences featuring the trio of Jackie Chan, Biao Yuen and Sammo Kam-Bo Hung. This movie, which was shot in Barcelona, ​​stands out because Jackie Chan is known for not using stunt doubles, which makes his fight scenes more interesting to watch.

The plot of Wheels on food focuses on two friends who own a food truck and find themselves at the center of an investigation into a kidnapped woman. The talented Sammo Kam-Bo Hung, who also stars in the film, has directed many other successful martial arts films such as IP Man and Project A.

5 Project A (1983)

A memorable scene in which Chan falls from the clock

• director: Jackie Chan, Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
• Release date: December 22, 1983
• The original title of the film: 'A' gai vak
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video

Here's another cult film with a brilliant trio: Jackie Chan, Samma Kam-Bo Hun and Biao Yuen. Action scenes Project A memorable, and some fans believe that the 1980s were the golden era for Jackie Chan.

The plot follows a police officer (Chan) who defends the city from pirates because the military is incapacitated. Memorable for his character's fall from a watch, this film is a mix of action and comedy as expected from Chan's films.

4 White Lotus Clan

Journey to victory over the white lotus clan

• director: Lie Lo
• Release date: January 1, 1980
• The original title of the film: Hong Wending San Po Bai Lian Jiao
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video

Directed and starring Lo Lie, White Lotus Clan tells the story of a fighter who seeks revenge against the White Lotus Clan after killing his loved ones. The leader of the clan has invincible strength and kung fu skills, so the protagonist of the story must undergo serious training before facing him.

The film was praised for its choreographed fight scenes that show the techniques of traditional martial arts. Even today, it remains a memorable and influential film when it comes to the genre.

3 Karate Fighter (1984)

Forever a classic karate movie

• Director: John G. Avildsen
• Release date: October 25, 1984
• Original movie title: The Karate Kid
• Stream: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+

The Karate Kiddirected by John G. Avildesen, is a classic film starring Ralph Macchio and the famous martial artist Pat Morita. The plot centers around Daniel LaRusso (Macchio), who after moving to the state is bullied by a group of kids who are well trained in karate.

Easily rewatchable, this film won Best Cult Film and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor (Pat Morita). This karate movie is not only about karate; it carries the message of discipline, self-respect and inner strength to all its viewers.

2 The Prodigal Son (1981)

Classic kung fu

• Director: Sammo Kam-Bo Hung
• Release date: December 22, 1981
• Original movie title: Baai Ga Jai
• Stream: Amazon Prime Video

This martial arts film tells the story of the titular prodigal son (played by Biao Yuen) who goes on a journey learning kung fu from a true master. It stars some of the best actors of the 1980s: Biao Yuen, Ching-In Lam, and director and screenwriter Sammo Kam-Bo Hung.

This movie is considered to be one of the best kung fu movies ever made. The combination of comedy, action and choreographed fight scenes results in an entertaining and authentic martial arts film.

1 8 Chart Fighter (1984)

Shaw brothers masterpiece